Huey Lewis would be proud.
The Alex Dufresne Gallery in Callander is opening a new exhibition this Saturday by the North Bay Art Association, aptly titled “Hip to be Square.”
Let it be known there shall be no circles, no octagons, and do not dare to dream of rectangles, as such dreams will only lead to disappointment. No, all canvases within this show shall be square, four equal sides, four right angles.
The form shall inspire, as detailed in a release from the gallery, “This curated collection challenges artists to explore creativity within equal dimensions while offering viewers a dynamic and harmonious visual experience.”
The exhibit features local artists and there was no limitation on the theme or medium, only the canvas shape was prescribed, the rest was up to the individual.
Natasha Wiatr, the museum’s curator, continued in her release that the imposition of the square can be seen as “A testament to how artists can push the boundaries of a fixed shape to create something truly unexpected and inspiring. Visitors can expect to see works that range from minimalist elegance to expressive bursts of colour, each piece offering a fresh perspective on composition and design.”
The opening reception for “Hip to be Square” begins at 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 1, and wraps up on March 29. Admission is free, and some of the artists will be there as well. Plus, you can visit the museum for free while you’re there, to enjoy the exhibits while pondering the power of the square. The gallery is within the museum building at 107 Lansdowne Street, Callander.
As Wiatr said, “We hope to see you – be there or be square!”
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.